Starter unit for tank heaters



March 6, 1956 J. M. DUNSTON 2,737,175

STARTER UNIT FOR TANK HEATERS Filed April 9, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR JCLI7ZQS M. Duns/ton ATTORNEY March 6, 1956 J U s o 2,737,175

STARTER UNIT FOR TANK HEATERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 9, 1953 INVENTOR M Duzzsibzc ATTO R N E Y J. M. DUNSTON 2,737,175

STARTER UNIT FOR TANK HEATERS March 6, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 9, 1953 INVENTOR 73 66177 JanZQS M Dunstan BY w}. am.

ATTORNEY United States Patent STARTER UNIT FOR TANK HEATERS James M. Dunston, Clarksville, Ind., assignor t2 the United States of America, as represented by the oecretary of the Army Application April 9, 1953, Serial No. 347,857

11 Claims. (Cl. 126-369) (Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952), see. 266) The invention described herein, if patented, may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

My invention relates to tank heaters of the immersion type.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an igniting or starter unit for tank heaters of the immersion type, which may be manufactured either as a kit for use in converting presently existing tank heaters in the field, 'or included in the fabrication of new tank heaters.

-A further object of the invention is to provide an ignition or starter unit for tank heaters of the abovementioned character which will eliminate the need for using a saturated ignition torch for starting the heater, which practice has proven to be dangerous, due to the creation of flashbacks in the heater during the starting interval.

A further object is to provide a starter unit "for tank heaters embodying novel means for inducing an updraft --in the exhaust line of the heater, substantially simultaneously with the initiation of combustion at the burner element of the heater.

Afurther object is to provide a starter unit for immersion type tank heaters, including means for initiating combustion at the burner-element of the heater, as well as means to induce a draft in the fines of the heater for supporting combustion.

A further object is to provide a starter unit of the above-mentioned character including an adjustable pilot burner which is shiftable into and out of the exhaust line of the heater at the will of the operator.

A furtherobject is to provide a tank heaterstarting unit including meansfor supporting the fuel tank of the heater.

designate likeparts throughout the same,

Figure l is a'perspective view of an immersion type tank heater with a starter unit embodying my invention applied thereto,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same,

Figure 3 is a central vertical longitudinal section taken on line 33 ofFigu're 2,

Figure 4'is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken on line 44 of Figure '3,

' Figure S'is a horizontal sectiontaken on line 5-5 of 'Figure' 4,

Figure 6 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary cross-section taken on line 6-6 of Figure 3,

Figure 7 is 'a perspective view of my starter unit removed, part's omitted, 1

Figure 8 'isaplan view of the same,

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical section on line 9-9 of Figure 8,

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section on line 10-10 of Figure 2, parts omitted, and,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary side elevation of the starter unit illustrated in Figure 7.

In the drawings, where for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 15 designates generally a tank heater of the immersion type,for use in heating water or the like in containers such as standard 55-gallon drums, or the like. The heater 15 comprises a heat transfer section or base 16 which is annular, and adapted to be arranged Zhori zontally in use, below the level of the liquid to be heated. The annular base 16 comprises inner and outer'concentric side walls 17 and 18, and top and'bottom walls 19 and 20, integrally secured to the sidewalls and forming therewith a hollow, gas-tight annular body. Legs 21 may be rigidly-secured to the bottom wall'2tl of the annular base 16, if desired.

An upstanding elongated tubular member or flue '22 is rigidly mounted upon the top wall 19 near one side of the annular base 16, and this fiue is oblong in transverse cross section, as shown. A fiat vertical partition or baffle plate 23 is rigidly mounted within thefiue '22, and secured to the side walls thereof in a gas-tight manner by welding or the "like. The partition 23 extends for the entire length of the flue 22 and divides the same into inlet and outlet flue passages 24 and "25. The upper end of 'the flue'22 is open, prior to the application of my starter unit, to be described.

The vertical partition 23 includes a bottomfintegral extension 26, extending radially between the inner and outer side walls 17 and 18, and the top and {bottornwalls 19 and 20 of theannular base. Th'e batfieex'tension26 is'rigidly secured by welding'or'the like to thewalls of the base 16 and formsa radial partition withinthe base, between the inlet and outlet "flue passages 2'4 and '25. Thetop wall 19 has-anopening27, *regis'tering'with the bottom of'the outlet flue passage 25, and a somewhat smaller opening 28 is formed in the -top wall 19 adjacent to the bottom of 'the flue inlet passage 24, leaving an annular-ledge 29 between the 'opening'28 and sidewall of the flue 22. v

The numeral 30' designates generally a burner for the heater comprising a perforated sleeve 31, positioned within the opening 28 and preferably having a close sliding fittherein, the perforated sleeve extending "for a substantial distance below the top wall 19 into the heat transfer base 16. Converging strips 'or guide elements 32 are secured by'welding or theliketothelower'end of the perforated sleeve 31, and serve to'guide or pilot the sleeveinto the opening 28, when 'the burner 30..is placed .into the heater from the top of the-flue 22. The'upper end of the sleeve: 31 may project a slight-distance above .thetop wall 19, and the upperandlower ends o'fthe perforated 1 sleeve are open. Circumferentially spaced legs 33 extend above the sleeve 31 and are welded or otherwise rigidly secured near "their lower ends "to the sleeve, above-the topwall 1?. Short lateral extensions or feet 34 are formed upon the'lower ends of the legs33 and extend radially outwardly 'of'the 'opening 28, and rest upon the. ledge .29 forfiremovably supportingthe burner 30 thereon. An inclined ignition or wick pla'te' 35 is rigidly securedto the tops ;.of the legs 33, and supported thereby .within the inletfiue-z'passage 24, a=substantial distance above-.the sleeve'fil. .-As-=.best.shown in Figure 6, the wick plate preferably comprises a perforated disk or wick 36 of asbestos, or the like, and top and bottom perforated metallic cover plates 37 and 38, suitably secured thereto. The inclined wick plate 35 is preferably elliptical, and its projected area within the flue passage 24 covers the entire sleeve 31. The burner 36 1S removable from the heater as a unit through the top of the flue passage 24, so that it may be readily replaced when necessary.

Means are provided for suspending the heater from the upper rim 39 of a 55-gallon drum 46, or the like, Figure 3. This means comprises a bracket 41, rigidly secured by welding or the like to the outer side wall of the vertical flue 22 near the upper end of the same. The bracket 41 is formed to provide a slot or passage 42, receiving the rim 39, and adjustable setscrews 43 have screw-threaded engagement Within openings formed in the bracket 41 and bear against the rim 39, for rigidly clamping the heater 15 thereto in the vertical position shown in Figure 3.

My ignition or starter unit 45 comprises an adapter or collar 44, to be removably mounted upon the upper end of the flue 22. The collar 44 is oblong to conform to the cross sectional shape of the flue 22, and comprises a top wall 46 and side wall 47, integrally secured thereto. The side wall 47 of the collar 44 is flared outwardly slightly near its lower end to form a marginal skirt or flange 48, engageable telescopically over the upper end of the flue 22. A narrow shoulder 49 is formed by the junction of the skirt 48 and side wall 47, and this shoulder engages the top end of the flue 22, as shown. The collar side wall 47 is preferably provided at one end with a slit 50, rendering the collar somewhat resilient during application of the same to the flue 22, and a pair of apertured ears 51 are rigidly secured by welding or the like to the skirt 48, near opposite sides of the slit 50. A bolt 52 extends through the apertures of the ears 51 and carries a nut 53, which may be tightened for clamping the collar 44 tightly to the flue 22.

A vertical partition or plate 54 divides the collar 44 into inlet and outlet compartments which register with the inlet and outlet flue passages 24 and 25, in assembly. The partition 54 is rigidly secured to the top and side walls 46 and 47 in any suitable manner, such as by welding to form therewith a substantially gas-tight joint. The partition 54 has its lower end arranged substantially at the elevation of the shoulder 49, and the partition is provided at its lower end with an inverted U-shaped channel 55, integrally secured thereto for engagement over the upper end of the vertical partition 23. A filler or packing 56 of asbestos or the like is preferably contained within the channel 55 for engagement with the top of the baflie 23, for forming a gas-tight joint between the partitions 23 and 54, see Figure 9.

Top wall 46 has a large opening 57 formed therein beyond one side of the partition 54, Figure 7, and this opening follows the contours of the side wall 47 and vertical partition 54, Figure 7. A relatively narrow ledge 58 is provided between the margin of the opening 57 and the partition 54 and side wall 47, as indicated. The opening 57 is in vertical alignment with the inlet flue passage 24, and has the same shape as the cross sectional shape of the flue passage. A further large opening 59 is formed in the top wall 46, in vertical alignment with the outlet flue passage 25, and a short upstanding annular flange 66 extends above the top wall 46 at the opening 59, and is preferably integral with the top wall 46. A vertical stovepipe adapter tube 61 has telescoping engagement over the flange 60, Figure 9, and is preferably rigidly secured thereto by welding. A suitable stovepipe or chimney 62, Figure 1, may be placed over the adapter tube 61, in telescoping relation therewith, as shown.

A pair of vertically spaced apertured brackets 63 are rigidly secured by welding or the like to the side Wall 47, and adjacent one side of the opening 57. The brackets 63 are mounted upon the side of the collar 44 adjacent to the inner side of the vertical flue 22, see Figure 1. The side wall 47 has an opening or slot 64 formed therein between the apertured brackets 63, for the reception of a horizontally swingable lever or arm 65, having an intermediate angular portion 66, passing through the slot 64. The angular arm portion 66 extends outside of the collar 44, and carries an operating extension or crank 67, arranged substantially at right angles thereto and preferably formed integral therewith. The extension 67 is directed inwardly toward the side wall 47, near one end of the collar 44, and the extension 67 is bent outwardly for forming a further operating extension 68, arranged substantially at right angles to the extension 67 and projecting outwardly of the collar side wall 47, as shown clearly in Figure 10. A hinge knuckle 69 is rigidly secured by welding or the like to the arm at the junction of the angular portion 66 and extension 67, and this hinge knuckle is arranged between the apertured brackets 63, in alignment with the apertures thereof. A cotter pin 70 or the like engages through the apertured brackets 63 and interfitting hinge knuckle 69, for pivotally securing the arm 65 to the collar 44. The arm 65 further comprises a forward extension 76, integral with the angular portion 66 and adapted to swing into parallel relation with the vertical partition 54, as shown.

The partition 54 is provided centrally with a rectangular opening 71, and this opening is at the elevation of the horizontally swingable arm 65. A flat rectangular cover plate 7;. for the opening 71 is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the side of the arm extension 71) nearest the partition 54, and when the arm 65 is swung to the position wherein the extension 76 is parallel to the partition 54, the cover plate 72 is arranged in parallel contacting relation with the adjacent face of the partition 54 and completely covers the opening 71. In this position, the operating extension 67 of the arm 65 may contact or substantially contact the collar side wall 47 as shown in Figure 10. A suitable torsion spring 73 is mounted upon the cotter pin 70 and has coils arranged above and below the brackets 63, Figure ll. This spring has a generally radially extending loop 74 which embraces the operating extension 67 of the pivoted arm 65, and serves to bias the arm 65 in the position indicated in Figure 10, wherein the cover plate 72 contacts the vertical partition 54. The spring 73 has end extensions or arms 75 which react against the adjacent brackets 63, as shown. The arrangement is such that the arm 65 normally remains in the position shown in Figure 10, and in full lines in Figure 8. The arm 65 is operable by means of the extension 68 to swing it to the position indicated in Figure 7, and in broken lines in Figure 8. A relatively small primer cup 76 is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the face of the cover plate 72 adjacent to the partition 54. The cup 76 is arranged upright with its top open, and is of a size to pass through the rectangular opening 71 when the arm 65 is in the position shown in Figure 10. In this position, the primer cup 76 projects into the compartment of the collar 44 which is in vertical alignment with the outlet flue passage 25, Figure 8, but the primer cup is not centered with respect to the flue passage 25, and is arranged near a side of the same as shown in Figure 8. The primer cup 76 preferably contains a suitable amount of asbestos filling or wick material 77, as shown. When the arm 65 is swung to the dotted position of Figure 8, it will be centered with respect to the opening 57 and the vertical flue passage 24, one end of the slot 64 forming a stop for the arm 65 in this position.

A horizontal arcuate tank rest or support 78 is rigidly secured by welding or the like to the side of the collar 44 remote from the pivoted arm 65. This rest 78 is adapted to receive and support a cylindrical fuel supply tank 79 which is horizontally disposed, as shown in Figure 1. An upstanding stop or lug 80 may be rigidly secured to the top wall 46 at the inner end of the arcuate rest 78, for engagement with the inner end of the tank 79, to aid in properly positioning the same upon the rest. A flexible chain 81 isprovided for engagement over the top of the tank 79, to lash the same to the rest 78. This chain is provided at one end-with a ring 82, receiving a hook extension 83 of an adjustable screwthreaded bolt 84. An 'ap'ertured bracket 85 is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to one side of the'rest 78 for receiving the bolt 84, and the bolt carries adjustable nuts 86 and 87, above and below the apertured bracket 85 as best shown in Figure 7. A compressible coil spring 88 surrounds the bolt 84, between the nut 86 and-bracket 85, and this spring serves to maintain the bolt 84 projected upwardly, relative to the bracket 85 and holds the bolt substantially stationary at all times. the nut 87 will result in binding or lashing the chain 81 tightly about the cylindrical tank 79 to firmly seat the same upon the rest 78. The opposite end of the chain 81 is permanently secured at 81 to a bracket'85, rigidly secured to the opposite side of the rest 78.

The fuel tank 79 is provided near its bottom-and at its inner end with a horizontal outlet pipe 89, Figure 3, and this pipe extends close to and above the top wall 46 of the collar 44. A vertical drip valve or petcock 90 is mounted upon the discharge end of the pipe 89,

and centered directly over the opening 57 and inlet flue passage 24. The drip valve 90 is also vertically aligned with the primer cup 76, when the cup is in therposition shown in broken lines in Figure 8, and in vertical alignment with the inclined wick plate 35. The lower or discharge end of the valve 90 may project slightly below the top wall 46 as indicated-in Figures 2 and 3.

A hood or cover 91 is hingedly secured at 92 to a bracket 93, in turn rigidly secured by weldingo'r the like to the end of the collar 44 having the cars 51 mounted thereon. The hood 91 is swingable vertically to the open position indicated in Figure -2, wherein the valve 90, opening 57 and associated parts are uncovered. The hood is also swingable to a closed position above the valve 90 and opening 57 during the normal operation of the heater to protect the inlet flue passage 24 from the elements, see Figure 3.

Operation When the heater is to be started, the printer cup 76 is shifted to the dotted line position shown in Figure 8, wherein it is in vertical alignment with the drip valve 90 and burner 36. With the primer cup in this position, thedrip valve 90 is open sufliciently to cause a rather fast drip of the liquid fuel into the primer cup 76. When the primer cup has been filled to approximately A or /2 capacity, the fuel contained therein is ignited with a match or the like, the hood 91, of course, being in the open position shown in Figure 2. The burning of the fuel within the primer cup 76 will cause the stream of fuel dripping from the valve 98 to become ignited, and the primer cup is now shifted slowly to the position shown in full lines in Figure 8, wherein it is disposed above-the outlet flue passage 25 of the heater.

The ignited stream of fuel from the drip valve falls upon the perforated wick plate and continues to burn after splashing over the wick plate, in the region between the wick plate 35 and perforated sleeve 31. Simul taneously, the burning fuel in the primer cup 76, which is now in the position shown in full lines in Figure .8, causes heating of the air near the upper end of the outlet flue passage 25. This in turn induces a strong updraft in the outlet flue passage 25, and causes the air within the annular heat transfer base 16 to circulate clockwise, Figure l, and enter the flue passage 25. Simultaneously, a substantial downdraft in the inlet flue passage 24 is created, due tothe action of'the primer cup 76, fresh air entering the upper end of the flue' passage 24, through the-opening'57 The draft thus induced by the primercup '76 within Tightening of tion of thefuel can occur.

'6 the outlet flue .passageZ S will promote and support combustion of the liquid fuel within the region of theburner 30, and there will be no danger of the flame being extinguished or snuffed out due to a lack of air to support combustion, as frequently happens with tank heaters of this type which are not .provided with my starter unit.

It should be mentioned here that the conventional practice for starting tank heaters of this type, not equipped with my starter unit, comprises insertinga lighted liquid fuel saturated torch into the top of the outlet flue passage 25, to create some updraft of air therein, and then quickly withdrawing the torch from the outlet flue passage and inserting the same downwardly within the in- -let fluepassage 24, to ignite the liquid fuel at the wick plate 35. This practice has proven unsatisfactory and dangerous. Frequently, flashbacks or small explosions of the liquid fuel which has been dripping upon the wick plate and accumulating on the ledge 29 while the torch is in the outlet flue .passage'ZS will occur. Also, the .updraft in the outlet flue passage 25 may be insufficient to promote combustion in the region of the burner '30 and the flame will be extinguished before satisfactory igni- Further, it is common prac tice to "saturate the ignition torch with liquid fuel from the tank '79, and this is a dangerous practice. The use of my starter unit overcomes all of the above disadvantages,"and permits the fuel to be safely ignited at the upper end of the flue passage 24, prior to shifting the primer cup 76 through the opening '71 to the outlet flue passage 25. Further when ignition of the fuel has occurred, and burning of the fuel commences at the wick plate 35 and below the same, there is no danger of the flame being extinguished or snuffed out since a strong and constant updraft is maintained in the outlet flue passage '25 due to the heat of the burning fuel in the primer cup 76. As burning of the fuel continues in the region of "the wick plate "35 and below the-same, the wick plate and associated elements of the burner 30 will be heated, 'an'd increasing volatilization of the liquid fuel will occur when the fuel splashes over the wick plate and passes below the same toward the perforated sleeve 31 and ledge 29. Gradually, "any liquid fuel accumulating upon the ted e 29 will be burned, and substantially all of the fuel passing through and over the wick plate 35 will be vapor- 'ized, and 't'on'gues of flame caused by the burning fuel 'vapors will ente'r'the perforated sleeve 31 and be directe d' downwardly within the annular heat transfer base 16. The perforated sleeve 31 serves as a flame stabilizer, and concentrates the downwardly directed tongues of flame, so that combustion 'of the vaporized fuel will 'be substantially completed near and below the lower end of "thesl'e'e've 31.

When ignition or starting of the heater has been satisfactorily accomplished, the drip valve is closed somewhat'to provide a somewhat slower dripping of the fuel onto the wick plate '35, and the 'valve 90 is regulated to supply a 'suflicient amount of the liquid fuel to the burner 30 to promote even and smokeless combustion of the same. The primer cup76rem'ains in the normally closed position shown "in full lines in Figure '8, and the fuel contain'ed therein is allowed to burn out and be consumed. Once'th'e heater has been ignited, 'in the manner described above, it will "continue t'o jo'pe'rate satisfactorily without the aid'of'the primer cup 76, and the updraft in the outlet flu'e'p'assage '25 will continue like the updraft in any chii'n'ney drs'rnokestack.

"When the heaterhas' been started in the above described'manne'r; the ho'od91 is shifted to the closed position shown in Figure 3, "wherein it extends over the opening 57 and drip valve '90 to protect the flue passage 2'4 from "the elements.

it is' 't'o be understood that "the form of my invention, hrewith 'shown and*descr ib'ed is to be taken as a preferred example of '-=the "same and "that various changes in' 'the'shape, "size'and at'r'angeine'nt of parts may be r 7 sorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

l. A tank heater comprising a heat transfer base, an upstanding flue secured to the base and communicating therewith and extending above the base, said flue having a partition arranged therein dividing the same into inlet and outlet flue passages, the upper end of the flue being open, a burner arranged within the inlet flue passage near said heat transfer base, a collar mounted upon the upper end of the flue and having a partition in alignment with the partition of the flue and dividing the collar into compartments which substantially register with the inlet and outlet flue passages, the partition of the collar having an opening, an arm pivoted to the collar and having an operating part arranged exteriorly thereof and a part projecting into the compartment of the collar in registration with said inlet flue passage, the last-named part of the arm being swingable toward and from the partition of the collar, a primer cup secured to the last-named part of the arm and adapted to be positioned above the inlet flue passage when the arm is in one position and to pass through the opening of the collar partition and be arranged above the outlet flue passage when the arm is shifted toward the collar partition, and means carried by the arm for covering the opening of the collar partition while the cup is arranged over said outlet flue passage.

2. A tank heater comprising a heat transfer base, an upstanding flue secured to the top of the heat transfer base and having its upper end open and including a partition dividing the flue into inlet and outlet flue passages, burner means arranged within the inlet flue passage near the lower end of the flue, a collar mounted upon the upper end of the flue and having a partition arranged in alignment with the partition of the flue and dividing the collar into compartments which communicate with the inlet and outlet flue passages, the partition of the collar having 'an opening, the collar having a top provided with openings leading into the compart ments of the collar, a tank rest secured to one side of the collar, a fuel tank mounted upon the tank rest and carrying a drip valve arranged over the collar compartment communicating with said inlet flue passage and being in alignment with said burner means, an arm pivotally connected with the collar and projecting into the compartment of the collar below said drip valve and shiftable toward and from the partition of the collar, a primer cup secured to said arm and adapted to be aligned with the drip valve and burner means when the arm is in one position, the cup passing through the opening of the collar partition and entering the compartment of the collar communicating with the outlet flue passage when the arm is shifted toward the partition, and a plate carried by the arm for engagement with the partition of the collar and covering the opening therein when the primer cup is disposed within the last-mentioned compartment of the collar.

3. A tank heater comprising a heat transfer base, an upstanding flue secured to the base and extending above the base and having a partition dividing the flue into inlet and outlet flue passages, the upper end of the flue being open, a burner arranged Within the inlet flue pas sage near said heat transfer base, a body portion mounted upon the upper end of the flue and including a partition dividing the body portion into compartments which register with the inlet and outlet flue passages, the partition of the body portion having an opening, an arm pivotally connected with the body portion and shiftable toward and from the partition of the body portion, and a cup adapted to hold burning fuel secured to said arm and positioned to pass through the opening in the partition of the body portion when the arm is shifted toward such partition so that the cup will enter the compartment of the body portion which is in registry with the outlet flue passage.

4. In a tank heater having a heat transfer base, an upstanding flue secured to the base and extending thereabove and having inlet and outlet flue passages, and a burner arranged within the inlet flue passage near the heat transfer base, the combination with said upstanding flue of a body portion mounted upon the top of the flue and having a partition dividing the body portion into compartments which register with the inlet and outlet flue passages, the partition having an opening, an arm pivoted to the body portion and extending into the compartment of the body portion which registers with the inlet flue passage and being shiftable toward and from said partition, and a primer cup carried by the arm and positioned to pass through the opening of the partition when the arm is shifted toward the partition so that the primer cup will enter the compartment of the body portion which registers with said outlet flue passage.

5. A starter unit for use with a tank heater comprising a body portion having a partition dividing the body portion into separate compartments, said partition having an opening, an arm movably mounted upon the body portion and extending into one compartment thereof and shiftable toward and from the partition, 2. primer cup adapted to hold burning fuel secured to the arm and adapted to pass through the opening of the partition to enter the other compartment of the body portion when the arm is shifted toward the partition, and a cover plate carried by the arm and shiftable therewith into engagement with the partition when the arm is shifted toward the partition and adapted to cover the opening of the partition while the primer cup is arranged within said other compartment of the body portion.

6. In a device of the character described, a body portion including a side wall, a partition arranged within the body portion and dividing it into separate compartments, the partition having an opening, an arm pivoted to the body portion adjacent to one compartment thereof and shiftable toward and from the partition, a plate carried by the arm for engagement with a side of the partition when the arm is shifted toward the partition and adapted to cover the opening of the partition, a primer cup secured to the arm adjacent to said plate and adapted to pass through the opening of the partition and to enter the other compartment of the body portion when the arm is shifted toward the partition, and resilient means connected with the arm to urge the same toward the partition, whereby said plate will nor mally engage the partition and cover the opening thereof.

7. In a device of the character described, a collar adapted to be secured to one end of a flue, a partition for the collar dividing it into separate compartments, the partition having an opening, the collar having an opening in its side wall leading into one compartment of the collar, an arm pivoted to the side wall of the collar and projecting through said opening of the side wall and into the last-named compartment, a plate secured to the arm within the last-named compartment and swingahie with the arm toward the partition and adapted to engage the partition and to cover the opening thereof, a primer cup secured to the arm near said plate and adapted to pass through the opening of the partition and to enter the other compartment of the collar when said plate engages the partition and covers the opening of the partition, a spring connected with the arm and biasing it toward the partition, and a top wall for the collar provided with opening means leading into said compartments of the collar.

8. In a device of the character described, a collar including side and top walls and having its bottom open, a partition for the collar dividing the same into contpartments, said partition having an opening, the top wall of the collar being provided with openings leading into the compartments of the collar, chimney adapter means secured to the top wall of the collar adjacent to one opening thereof, fuel tank mounting means carried by the collar, a fuel tank including fuel discharge means secured to said mounting means with the fuel discharge means of the tank arranged over the other opening in the top wall of the collar, an arm pivotally secured to the collar and projecting into the compartment of the collar adjacent to said fuel discharge means, and a primer cup secured to the arm and shiftable therewith into substantial alignment with said fuel discharge means, the primer cup passing through the opening of said partition and entering the other compartment of the collar when the arm is shifted toward said partition.

9. A tank heater comprising a heat transfer base, an upstanding flue secured to the base and extending for a substantial distance above the same, a partition dividing the flue into inlet and outlet flue passages which communicate with the interior of the heat transfer base, the upper end of the flue being open, a main burner positioned within the inlet flue passage near the heat transfer base, a body portion mounted upon the top end of the flue and having a partition dividing the body portion into compartments which register with the inlet and outlet flue passages, said partition of the body portion having an opening, and a priming burner movably connected with the body portion and shiftable substantially horizontally to positions in substantial alignment with the tops of the inlet and outlet flue passages, said priming burner being passable through the opening in the partition of the body portion.

10. A tank heater comprising a heat transfer base, an upstanding flue secured to said base and extending above the same and having means forming substantially vertical inlet and outlet flue passages, the top of said flue being open, said flue passages communicating with the interior of the heat transfer base, a main burner mounted within the inlet flue passage a substantial distance below the upper end of the flue, a fuel metering valve mounted adjacent the upper end of said flue in substantial vertical alignment with said inlet flue passage and main burner, a priming burner movably mounted upon the flue adjacent its upper end and shiftable into alignment with the inlet and outlet flue passages and adapted to induce an updraft in the outlet flue passage when positioned in alignment therewith, said priming burner being disposed under said metering valve to receive fuel therefrom when positioned in alignment with the inlet flue passage, means carried by said flue and connected with the priming burner to shift the same into alignment with the inlet flue passage, and means to normally hold the priming burner in alignment with the outlet flue passage.

11. A tank heater comprising a heat transfer base, an upstanding flue secured to said base and extending above the base and having means forming substantially vertical inlet and outlet flue passages, said passages communicating with the interior of said base, a main burner mounted within the inlet flue passage a substantial distance below the upper end of the flue, a body portion mounted upon the upper end of the flue and having an opening in substantial alignment with the inlet flue passage, a fuel metering valve mounted adjacent said opening of the body portion in substantial alignment with the inlet flue passage and said main burner, a priming burner movably secured to the body portion and shiftable into substantial alignment with the inlet and outlet flue passages and adapted to induce an updraft in the outlet flue passage while in alignment therewith, said priming burner being disposed directly below and in substantial alignment with said metering valve when positioned adjacent to the inlet flue passage, means carried by said body portion and connected with the priming burner to shift the same into alignment with the inlet flue passage and metering valve, and means to normally hold the priming burner in alignment with the outlet flue passage.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 731,921 Leach June 23, 1903 810,852 Fifield Jan. 23, 1906 1,079,595 Finnegan Nov. 25, 1913 2,396,777 Edwards Mar. 19, 1946 2,642,129 Breese June 16, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 204,491 Switzerland Oct. 2, 1939 

